Palestinians and Israeli troops clash in Hebron in aftermath of teen’s fatal shooting

JERUSALEM (JTA) – Palestinians and Israeli soldiers clashed in the city of Hebron a day after a Palestinian teen who threatened an Israeli Border Police officer was shot and killed.

At least five Palestinian rioters have been injured in Thursday’s clashes, the Maan Palestinian news service reported. The Palestinians threw rocks and firebombs at the Israeli troops, who dispersed the riots with tear gas.

The clashes began on Wednesday night. The Israel Defense Forces moved additional troops into the area following the shooting in case of rioting in advance of the funeral, which was set for Thursday.

The 17-year-old Palestinian male who was killed Wednesday evening had pulled what turned out to be a toy gun on a Border Police officer. The teen was shot in his chest and abdomen by an officer who witnessed the threat.

The rioting comes a week after Israeli soldiers on patrol in Hebron were forced to retreat after being attacked by a Palestinian mob. The soldiers’ actions are under investigation.